Reform of the construction regulatory system needs to work in practice across the full lifecycle of buildings. For residents, that means a system that is clear, accountable and responsive when issues arise. For housing providers, it means being able to navigate regulatory requirements consistently while continuing to manage existing buildings safely and deliver new homes.
Our response focuses on how a Single Construction Regulator would operate alongside the existing building safety regime, particularly where organisations are already implementing significant reforms. This includes how gateway approvals, safety case requirements and competence frameworks align in practice, and how information flows across the system to support effective oversight and decision-making.
We highlight a number of risks where the proposals could create duplication or uncertainty if not carefully designed. These include the interaction between the new regulator and the Building Safety Regulator, the potential for inconsistent interpretation of risk and compliance requirements, and the capacity of the sector to absorb further change alongside ongoing remediation programmes and wider delivery pressures.
We also set out the need for clear definitions of responsibility across the construction supply chain, particularly to ensure accountability for historic defects sits with those responsible for their creation. In addition, the system must provide accessible and usable information to support building owners in managing safety risks, alongside proportionate and predictable regulatory processes that enable timely decision-making.